People's comments and support to Phuket Island

We would like to thanks all the people who visited our site and gave us support and hope in the past weeks. You are all amazing.
We wish to publish all these wonderful messages, to show you how much it helped Phuket. Email : Send us your messages here.
However, if you do not want to see you message here, write to us and we will respect your desire of privacy and remove it. If you wish to reply to somebody, please mention the person's name into your message and we will forward to the concerned person.

Name: Jenni Lawson
Country: Australia
Message:
Thank you your web site, it is great to see the Thai people and locals in Phuket are all working to rebuild your beautiful area. We are coming back for holidays on Feb 3rd and we hope that in some small way, by coming back, we are doing our small bit to contribute to the economy of Phuket. We were devastated by this terrible tragedy and hope that those who love Thailand and its people return to support you all very soon.
Best wishes and if we can help in some small way when we are there we certaily will.
Jenni

Name: Colin
Country: Vancouver,Canada
Message:
I am visiting Thailand in 3 weeks. I was so sad to hear what happened to Phuket and surrounding area. I wasn't going to visit Phuket after hearing what happened, but now I am coming for sure!!! This website is great! Atleast I can help by visiting and helping bring life back to streets and beaches. Such a beautiful place that I must say I saw with my own eyes.

Name: filippo carmagnani
Country: italy
Message:
I was back from Karon beach just one day before the disaster and I always thanks god for this.
But every day I also made a pray for all the people that get trouble for the disaster.I always continue to ask to my self why these bad thinks have happened but I can't find the answer.
All the best to you,very nice and good Thai people.

Name: Lisa
Country: Sweden
Message:
I left patong the day before the disaster and have many friends there. I lived in hotel Victoria and Sandy House on the beach if you have any chance I would really like to see how those places looks now because I'm certain I would have been sleeping when the wave came...
A thousand thanks to you for letting people display these pictures on webpages. I have 3 sites and are now promoting Patong and showing everyone how good the place looks now.
The Thai-people have done a wonderful work! A Huge thanks to them!
I'll be coming back very soon.

Name: Christian
Country: Switzerland
Message:
Dear Thai people in Phuket. I was very shocked when i saw the pictures in the web and on TV what is happen in Asia and especialli in Phuket.
I come to Phuket every year, to Patong Beach. It is very great how the people rebuild all in Patong and surrounding area. I am very happy to see your courage and i am sure i will return to Phuket again.
Regards
Christian Gallati

Name: Ulf andersson
Country: Sweden
Message:
Hello ! I have been in Kata beach 2 time , last time i was there , wer 1,5 year a go ! Will yuo set in some Photo from kata, after the wawe, so i can se the place how there are now ! I fink i will come back there soon !

Name: mark cossley&steve rees
Country: blackpool,england
Message:
first of all our deepest sympathy for all the people who lost there lives on 26/12
we both came over to phuket in sept04 and stayed for a month ive been all over the world and never met nicer people than the thais.i have dived in many of the sites around phuket including phi phi and wos totally shocked and close to tears and it takes a lot for me to get upset. ive been in contact with friends thai and european who are in phuket and they are all okay thank god,although our local bar the dolphin has gone at least all the staff are okay we are coming back over to paradise on 20th february for a month keep us away if you can meantime all the very best to everyone affected

Name: mike
Country: holland
Message:
can you inform us about le meridien beach resort and relax bay!!!
thanks!!!!!!and good luck too you all!!!HOLLAND IS WHIT YOU!!!!!

Name: johan and Renate
Country: the netherlands
Message:
Everybody take care and carry on !

Name: Mia Scheijen
Country: Netherlands
Message:
Dear Sir/Miss.
My name is Mia Schmitz,my brother Frans traveled from Fransce the december 20 tho Phuket and the last phonecall was december te 25 from that day I never here from him,I don't no were he is,I think he is death,can you help me.

Name: Merja Hartikainen
Country: Finland
Message:
Dear people,
It has been very sad to see all this damage for so many people. I left Karon beach only 4 days before Tsunami, so it has been really hard to understand this all. I have cryed so much reading and watching the news. My country lost 178 people, one dyed family lived very closed my house. I hope all the best for Thai people. I know you can rebuild everything, you have the support from all over the world and you will not give up. I pray for you, God bless.

Name: Norman
Country: hungary
Message:
Greetings to all Thai people in the area! Big respect to you all, next year (after collecting money) I'll go back to Phuket again!
All the best, drink some Singha beer! Take care! Norman
good luck for the future

Name: Christine
Country: Norway
Message:
Hello. I'm so greatful for all your photos and updates of Patong. I used to live in Patong and know a lot of Thai people who work on or nearby Patong Beach. (the beach restaurants and the "beach boys"). If you have the time and posibility, I would be very greatful if you can take photos of or near Sabai Beach and Patong Bay Garden, and also of people working in the surroundings. Thank you very much!!! Godd luck to all of you!

Name: Ann Palmer
Country: Australia
Message:
Excellent photos! Would love to see more on Merlin Beach Resort as stayed there in November and loved it! Can't believe the damage to front of resort as it was so high off beach! We'll be back Xmas/New Year 2005! Can't keep us away! Just know that there are lots of us thinking about you all!
Annie

Name: Bertina and Clemens
Country: Germany
Message:
Since 1999 we spent our holidays at patong beach. We are very sad about what happened to thai and other asian people through tsunami on 26. december. We found your page by searching for photos of patong beach. the photos of rebuildung phuket are great. now we shurely come back to phuket in feb.

Name: Tina
Country: UK
Message:
I have been following the daily updates on your site and I am amazed at the terrific progress being made to restore Phuket in the face of such devastation and tragedy. The amount of progress achieved is unbelievable. The courage being shown by the people of Phuket - and everyone else who is helping - is astonishing and humbling. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we are thinking of you.

Name: David
Country: Jersey, ChannelIslands
Message:
what a shame to your Lovely Place of Phuket I have not been there yet,but i am going to try and come out there 2nd week Feb 2005,Goodluck and well done for all the hardwork that you have done so far!!!!..

Name: Jack Dandridge
Country: U.S.A.
Message:
My son who lives in Bangkok recently married a Thai girl and my wife and I came to Thailand in November for the wedding. We then went to Phuket and stayed at the Bangtao Beach Chalet's. I have not seen any pictures or Information about that wonderful place and the nicest people we have met that work their. Thai people are the kindest and nicest people I have ever met. We plan on coming back to Thailand not only to visit my son and his wonderful wife but to see more of Phuket. Thank you for the wonderful job you are doing.

Name: Alan
Country: UK
Message:
Heart felt commiserations to anyone who has suffered as a result of the Tsunami. My wife and I first visited the island only 2 years ago, but we will be back, along with other family members, this coming March. We know the Thai people will recover from this tragedy and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Alan and Bev

Name: susanne jensen
Country: Denmark
Message:
Hi we were in Karon the 26. december and are all in shcock, especially my nine year old daughter. It has helped her so much to see your pictures which has made her realize that life is going back to normal again.
thank you so much.

I have one request. in Karon near the roundabout at the beach there was a small tour office just on the corner. we have tried to find out about miss supa who was working there but without any luck. on the way around maybe you could take pictures there and hopefully she is all right.

yours Susanne

Name: maikel schmerda
Country: netherlands
Message:
weve stayd at le meridien beach resort in patongbeach (phuket),it was realy good the food the place the sea the beaches and most off all, the people!!!!!!!when i listend to the nieuws i was shocked
because we were just 2 months at home.and i immediantly donate some money for help thats the only thing we can do!!!i wish you all GOOD LUCK

Name: Dee
Country: England
Message:
Hiya,
I was totally devastated to hear what happened to Phuket on 26/12/2004. I was on the island only a month ago. I was deeply saddened to see the destruction and was astounded by the number of lives the tsunami has taken. I really do appreciate you showing us the real photos of Phuket - THANK YOU SO MUCH. I was staying near nai harn beach and there was a lovely lady called Gina at Thalassa Village Resort. I would love to know if she is ok. I have emailed her and received nothing. The people of thai were wonderful and will always remain in my heart

Name: Anne-Catherine & Christer
Country: Sweden
Message:
Thank you so much for the daily photos which we are following every day! We are going to your wonderful country for the fifth time on the 6th of february. We can´t wait to get there! Have you been in Thailand once you always will be back and meet the most wonderful people in the world! See you soon! Anne-Catherine and Christer Anehammar

Name: Rudith Suvaal
Country: Holland
Message:
Thank you for your pictures. Can you inform us about the situation at Freedom Beach? Thanks!

Name: Erik
Country: California USA
Message:
I'm so glad I decided to go back and look at my saved links from when I visited Phuket two years ago. I was so worried for everybody. We stayed at the Phuket Cabana and I'm glad to see it is still standing. My only hopes and prayers that all the wonderful people who worked there are okay. I was also happy to see the bar "La Salsa" still there since it was directly behind Phuket Cabana, we went there several times during our stay. The nicest bartenders worked there, although I don't remember their names. I hope to return to Phuket someday and thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos of recovery. My condolences to all lost in the tragedy. Peace.

Name: Christian
Country: Geneva/Switzerland
Message:
Cher Peuple Thai,
Je vous aime tous - Mon coeur est avec vous pour tous ce que vous endurez. Merci pour l'aide que vous avez apporté à mes compatriotes dans le malheur.
Je savais que vous étiez un peuple admirable mais à ce point, vous être l'exemple à suivre pour beaucoup de peuples à travers le monde. Je serai au côté de vous dès le milieu du mois de Mars pour un mois de vacances. Je me réjouis de vous revoir et encore merci
Avec toute mon admirations
Christian

Name: Julie May
Country: United Kingdom
Message:
Hello,
I would just like to say how sorry me and my husband are to hear of the damage to SE Asia, we have been to Phuket 3 times, and we definately will return in the very near future.

Thanks for posting all the photos it's really good to see the progess daily, would it be possible to post any pictures of the Amari Coral Beach hotel as we stayed there last time we came.

Good luck and my heart is with all the Thai people who are the most friendly and loveliest people we have ever come across.

Name: stacey ,kay&family
Country: ENGLAND
Message:
In august 04 we holidayed for the first time in Thailand staying at the wonderful Holiday Inn Resort. Beautiful beaches, friendly,helpful people made Thailand a place we want to visit time over.It is with great saddness we hear of recent events.All our thoughts and our prayers are with all in Thailand now. We look forward to returning soon.
stace, kay& family.

Name: Maurice
Country: Netherlands
Message:
I'd like to thank you for the daily photo updates. We check your site every day hoping to see some people we know and don't know if they are oke. Does anybody know if the staf of restaurant Sabai-Sabai is oke, the foto of soi post-office concerns me a lot. And also the people working on the beach (beach chairs and massage)in front of the Holliday-Inn hotel. I hope to go visit Patong again in April. Best regards and good luck!

Name: Gunilla
Country: Sweden
Message:
Hello! I´m so sorry for what has happend in Thailand.Me and my husband visited Kamala Beach and Patong last year in January.We really want to go back and it´s incredibel to see all work that´s already done in the city and on the beach.We think of what´s happened all the time and we hope that this disaster never will happen again!! Hope to see you soon again and please let us see more pictures from Kamala.

Name: Sarah & Simon
Country: Leeds,Eng
Message:
I would like to say how deeply sadened my husband & i are, with the devisation the Tsunami desaster has caused. Our prayers,hearts, & thoughts are with all the people who have suffered.
We came to Thailand the 1st time 3 years ago on holiday, & we stayed at the Patong Merlin Hotel. We fell in love both the country & most of all the thai people. We came back the following year for our honeymoon.
Thailand is the island of smiles & always, will be forever.
We are planning to come back this year for another 3weeks, & give our support in person.
Could anyone let us know how the hotel Patong Merlin is & the wonderful staff. Also how the restaurant The Port is, along with their band Manila Machine, also a member of staff named Thammaraf.
We would like to thank the staff at the Phuket Gazette for keeping us up dated with the,inspirational spirit of everyone involved,& the clear up programme.
Look after one another & we'll see you soon.

Name: David
Country: USA
Message:
I am happy to see Patong recovering from the Tsunami, but I still feel bad about what happened there.

I'm concerned about the Holiday Resort Hotel bungalows which are behind the Seapearl Hotel. Can you please post some photos of how the Holiday Resort Hotel bungalows look right now. That was a great hotel.

Name: Kreg
Country: U.S.A.
Message:
I was in my apartment on Patong Beach. Being from California the earthquake seemed normal, as it was certainly not. The waves about one hour later after were even more dramatic and our little beach was gone minutes after. I will return again to my second home because the Thai's were very organized and helpful.

Name: lydia
Country: holland
Message:
We lived in Patong, and we are also shocked. We want to say how we cried for the people who lost their loved ones and family.
Is the amari still OK? We also want to get back to Phuket. It was in our hearts, it will stay in our hearts.
I write about it on the internet, proudly and asking people to visit. I will put some pictures of your site on mine and link you:)
A permanent link.
Kind regards, Lydia

Name: Martin &Amanda Ogley
Country: Barnsley
Message:
We returned from Patong Beach in late november 2004 after a fantastic holiday. We had family in Patong but he fortunately moved on in early December. We hope allthe Staff at the Amari Coral Beach are ok - Can you get any Photo's to show - it was on the news very briefly in the UK. Also we hope that all the staff in Gonzo's are ok and that the bar is opened again - we made a lot of friends out there and we will be back - and are telling as many people as we can to look your website to get the truth about what is happening in Phuket and how you are getting things cleared and sorted.

Name: Cathie & Ray
Country: Australia
Message:
Thank you so much for this site. We have been going to Patong for the past 9 years, last being there in November, and like most people have fallen in love with Thailand and the people. Our hearts go out to them and we will definately be going back. We have made many friends there and hope that they have survived. Is it possible to post a few photos of the area around Louis restaurant and the others down on the beach.

Name: Berith Prahl
Country: Sweden
Subject: Question about Phuket on Phuket.com Website
Message:
I want to say thank you for showing us how things are at Kata Beach after the Tsunami.
We were on holiday in Kata Beach, staying at the hotel Tropical Garden, until the 14:th of December and we have been wondering a lot about how things are in Kata. Thanks to you we know a little now. I hope that no people were injured there. We were often at a restaurant at the beach "Kata Mama Seafood". How did they manage?
There were often small children at the beach, playing while their parents were working. We do really hope that they didn't were at the beach at the time the Tsunami came.
We would be very happy if you can write little more about Kata Beach
Thank you from Berith Prahl

Name: Nicky
Country: UK
Message:
My fiancee and I enjoyed a wonderful holiday in Bangkok and Phuket (Banthai)last February. We both commented that of all the places we have visited in the world the Thai people are the most friendly and warm people we have ever met and of course your country is beautiful. We want all the thai people affected by this terrible disaster to know that many many people in far away places have you in their hearts at this time and that our support of you will continue in the future

Nicky and Cameron

Name: Rhondda
Country: Queensland Australia
Message:
Just yesterday I enquired about the Seaview Patong and today I have viewed the photos you have taken. Thank you so very much for your wonderful website. I read all the other messages and your website is assisting all us farangs to see that, what we have come to know as paradise, will return to its glorious best. To the wonderful hard working locals in Phuket - what an amazing people you all are. I view all the photos with the many many people who are working to give all the tourists something to come back to, while all of you have been touched by this tragedy. The common factor in all the messages is, that around the world Phuket and its people are dearly loved and in our minds and our hearts. We will return very soon. Our love and very best wishes continue to come your way. Again, thank you Phuket!

Name: Nico & Stephanie
Country: The Netherlands
Message:
We admire the way you all are handling this disaster. If possible please show a picture from the Baan Laimai Beach Resort (Thavee-wong rd. Patong Beach) and/or Paul & Gisela's Travel Agency (Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road).

Name: Johanna
Country: Sweden
Message:
I was in Kata Beach just one week before the terrible catastrophe. I admire all Your work of re-building everything! Now I wonder in what shape Kata Sun Beach Inn (opposit to Tropical) and Kata Mamas restaurang are? I loved my stay in Kata Beach and I will for sure return and I hope all tourists do! Take care and keep smiling although it's tough right now!!!

Name: marianne & paul
Country: Switzerland
Message:
Please, can you tell us something
about Cop. She serves in the Sunrise Bar. And what's happening to the restaurants by the beach? Such as the one's not far of Club Andaman Beach Hotel. Could the people save their lives? What's about the beach-guys with their jetskis?

Name: judy
Country: perth, australia
Message:

thank you so much for this site - prefer to watching tv .... have now noticed that soi wattana is being cleaned up ... we eat most of our meals at orchid restaurant .... look forward to returning to patong in may 2004 ... thank you again for this site, love and sympathy to patong and the lovely thai people

Name: Ivan & Nevena
Country: Belgrade, Serbia
Message:
It is very nice that the hole world is prepared to help Thai people. My husband and I will help you by our arrival on the 12th of January 2005. See you soon!!!!!!

Name: Simon Last
Country: Australia
Message:
I just wanted to say how special Thailand is to my wife and I. The most special thing to us is the people who have given us so much. We have made many Thai friends since we started visiting Thailand and we now consider it our second home. The photo's show the true spirit of the Thai people and I am glad things are going back to normal. I am sure that anyone who loves Thailand like we do will return as soon as possible.

I wish I was able to be there now so I could pick a broom and lend a hand with the clean up.

Name: Stefan Zander
Country: Germany
Message:
I come Thailand every year minimum 1 time, have House on countyside.I was to Phuket last year and I am really impressed, how fast Patong is build up again. I love the Thai and I love Thailand. I hope for Thai people that tourists come back again and they will earn money again. I am With you all, yours, Stefan

Name: Melissa
Country: USA
Message:
Does anyone know about Amy's restaurant. It is located at Kamala Beach. I am inquiring about Amy and her daughter Nap. Can someone please email me and let me know if they are OK. My family lived there and was very close to them. Thank you sincerely.

Name: Henry Tanke
Country: Deutschland
Message:
Eine wirklich gute Seite mit eindrucksvollen und leider auch jetzt sehr erschreckenden Bildern.
Wir kommen trotz der Flut ende Feb wieder auf unsere Lieblingsinsel.
Gruss Ursula und Henry

Name: Richard and Vicki Marris
Country: Western Australia
Message:
Hi There,
Thank you for taking photo's of the Seaview Patong Hotel. It was reasuring to see the damage wasn't too bad. All at the newspaper are to be congratulated on this marvellous site which we use everyday.It has saddened us to see the damage, hardship and sorrow the tsuami has caused, but we have been greatly impressed with the determination and fortitude of the local people in their rebuilding efforts.
Our admiration and heartfelt good wishes go out to you all.Try and keep your spirits up. We wish you well. Vicki and Richard Marris.

Name: Peter Kaufmann
Country: Australia
Message:
I have been going to patong for many years. My girlfriend is Thai and was there on the 26 Dec with her sister. I have friends at visit and work in Patong Beach. All are safe.
Sorry to the Thai people that lost family and friends. We will be back to support the Thai people.

Name: sally chilcott
Country: England EX36 4NY
Message:
please could you let us see photos of Le Meridien hotel in Phuket.
We would love to come back their our last time was 5 years ago,it was the most beautiful place in the world.And we hope to come back again soon.
Everyone is absolutly shocked at was has happened to you all.You are the kindest people ever and our hearts go out to you all.
God Bless,
Sally Chilcott Name: Alice

Country: USA
Message:
My husband and I have visited Phuket and Koh Lanta several times and are in love with Thailand and its people. Unfortunately a reurtn visit is not possible in the near future. Our thoughts and best wishes are with everyone. We will continue to encourage others to visit you beautiful and friendly islands

Name: Andrea
Country: USA
Message:
My heart just aches for you. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved ones. You are in our prayers here in the USA

Name: elena
Country: spain
Message:
hello! First i am so sorry about what has happenned. i was there 15 days ago before tsunami and now i would like to know something about hotel Holiday Inn in Patong Beach if its possible. thanks in advance.

elena

pd. we are far but hearts are with all of you and i hope to come back some day

Name: lulu
Country: UK
Subject: Question about Phuket on Phuket.com Website
Message:
Hello
I stayed at a bungalow resort in Yan nui beach last year, it is opposite Yanui Bay View. I cannot remember the name of this place and I would like to make a donation to the famil who ran it, I think that they would have been damaged by the tsunamis.
I would be very grateful for any news about these people.
Thank you very much

Name: Joyce Davidson Descelles
Country: The Netherlands
Message:
Dear People in Phuket,

Its unbelievelably what happend in South-East Asia. It's good to see that everybody donates money all over the world and its good that the people who are in need get help from other countries, trying to bring food, drinks and try to rebuild everything. Although the pain in peoples hearts and the loss of there loveones we can't give that back. If I could give all the love to the people who are in such pain emotionaly I would give it to them if I could.

In November 2003 we were in Phuket and Koh Phi phi. And the islands stole our hearts by its beauty and nice people. Its unbelievelably what happend and its tragic to see the pain and destroyed buildings, houses etc.
We want to come back this year.We wish you all the best for the future and hope the people in Thailand who are effected by the tsunami are strong enough to survive this pain. You are the land with the smile of Asia and although there is such pain at the moment i'm sure you have that little light in you that gives you a little smile again.
We sure come back to Thailand soon, we wont let you down.
Beste whishes from the Netherlands,
Joyce
PS How is Liam Singh Beach, can't find any information about it. We met Ali the owner of the open restaurant on the beach.
Even we like to know what happend with "Tropica Bungelow" at Patong Beach?

Name: mike
Country: usa
Message:
we had planned a trip to phuket, but will not come if there is no opportunity to also help out the community in the recovery. are many tourist able to help with part of their time? thanks.

Name: monica
Country: chile
Message:
PLease show pictures of kata and katanoi beaches and if possible ko phi phi....rhanks a lot, you are our eyes there, a hug, m

Name: David
Country: canada
Message:
Great photography!
Have to come to Phuket one day...... a beautiful place.
A speedy recovery!!

Name: Simon
Country: Hong Kong
Message:
I was in Patong on 26th December. Your photos of the clean-up are really helping me erase the images seared into my mind on that terrible day. I have immense respect for the way your website has handled this tragedy and for the people who are working so hard to get Phuket back on its feet, despite the personal trauma they have all suffered. I hope we can all do something to help those who have lost so much. I'll be back in March - see you then!

Name: Söderström
Country: Sweden
Message:
First of all; I think the people from Thailand are the most wonderful people in the world. we are a family who had booked our vaction to Karon Beach in March. But when this happened, we decided not to go. Then we heard about this site on internet, so we looked at all photos. So thanks, now we will go back to Karon Beach on vacation because of all the photos. It´s the best vacation we have had. We were in Karon Beach last year. Thank you and all kuck to to you people.

Name: Daniele Elaborati
Country: Italy
Message:
I've been living in Patonh beach for three years ( I've owned a bar there) and i have a lot af friends there ( both Thais and "farang").
Thankfully to your web site, now I know that there's still hope for them to make their own living. Thank you to keep the truth come up as in Europe the medias are painting a mass disaster in Phuket as in Indonesia , deviating all the tourism to other destinations.
This means a loss of tourism in our fantastic island, and it's something that should'nt happen right now.
You are my people, as i'm not feeling comfortable anymore in Europe, and i'm planning to come to live in Thailand again! Keep on going, Bros !!!

Name: John
Country: California, USA
Message:
Thanks so much for the time and effort it takes, to show the real efforts of the Thai people in bringing Phuket back from such a terrible state of destruction. You have helped us to continue our plans for vacationing in your wonderful country in Feb. We feel that the best way to lend support is to not only be a tourist, but lend a helping hand where needed. Our prayers are with you in your efforts to return your wonderful island back to the jewel of the sea as it was. God bless you all!

Name: Leann
Country: Adelaide Australia
Message:
Thank you for your fantastic photos and updates. It brilliant to see the work that has been done after such devastation. My husband and I have visited Phuket 5 times and are returning in May this year. We are in love with your beautiful island and beautiful people. We have been watching many news reports the media reporting is not fantastic. Your site is absolutely fantastic we check daily for progress in the place we adore. Our thoughts are with everyone at this time of sadness. We will be back in May can't wait.

Name: Peter Moore
Country: UK
Message:
Having been in Patong during the Tsunami, these photographs are just what Phuket needs in order to show visitors how quick the Thai people are in responding to the clean-up process of the coast line.
In Patong, most of the damage was done up to 300 metres inland from the beach road and even by new year's eve, some of the bars and restaurants in the top half of Bangla road were back in business albeit much more subdued.

I think that within just a few months your photographs will show that this popular resort will be on its way to getting back to normal.

Name: Sheryl Brown
Country: New Zealand
Message:
We have just booked to return for 3 weeks, this time we are staying in Karon due to the Le Meridian being damaged, have you managed to get any photos so far as we have stayed there 3 times and felt for the wonderful staff there, I believe they were all ok. We were wondering if World of Paintings at 267 Rads Utid road was ok and also Saiwark Royal Art gallery further along the road coming up to the start of the Karon hill opposite where the old snake farm was, they are friends of ours and we were worried about them, also the girls at the Patong wellness centre massage clinic, when will they reopen. We will be bringing back toys with us for the children who have lost theirs and can't wait to give them out to brighten up their day a little after all they have been through.
Keep smiling there are many people who care a lot for the precious communtity you have and are wanting to help you rebuild.
Tony & Sheryl Brown

Name: Rose-Marie Nilsson
Country: Sweden
Message:
First of all I wont to send my deepest condolences to the most wonderful peaple in the world.Me and my husband have been in Thailand 7 times,and we come back.Thank you very much for keeping us up to date on all rebuilding.We look every day.You are fantastic peaple.See you soon.

Name: Chirs Burnett
Country: United Kingdom
Message:
Hi, I'm really concerned for the safty of all staff that work at the Patong Lodge. Please could you let me know if they are all OK. I am planning to bring my family back to Phuket this year and would like to stay at the Patong Lodge. Can you confirm if this will be OK. I would be interested to see some pictures.
My thoughts are with you all
Chris

Name: Rebecca Doran
Country: New Zealand
Message:
Are you able to tell me anything about the kiwi that owns "Two Black Sheep" Bar. He had a Thai wife and they were wonderful when we were visiting Patong beach two years ago. Ever since this tradgey I haven't been able to stop thinking about them and wonder if they are ok. Please let me know.

Name: Barbro Werlin
Country: Sweden
Message:
Thank you for all the photos you publish on youre web site. I was in Phi Phi Island mars 2004 with my husband. I wonder if ther are something left of Charlie beach and Phi Phi Prinsess restaurant.Mayby you now something about the people how work`s ther. Chalome Pholsan was restaurant manager on PPPrinsess Please send me a message if you nowe something.

Name: Monique
Country: Johannesburg, South Africa
Message:
I dont know what to add that hasnt already been said. Its clear from all these messages that we (the guests) are just as distraught as everyone else. I have seen images, watched amature videos, yet after all that nothing will stop me from coming back to the island and staying LONGER next time round. My thoughts go out to all of those who lost a friend or family member.
I have only two questions... Seaview Patong hotel? What has become of it? There was 100% damage reported, but no images thereof. And what of the kind dogs that run the street daily? Are they all right?

Name: Family Jonsson
Country: Sweden
Message:
Hello there, We were crying when we saw what happened in Phuket and 5 other cities nearby in south of Thailand.
Thanks for your homepage giving us strong hope for the best.
Please go on doing your work. All of you have done such great job. See you in Phuket next time and with all our heart we wish you all the best.
Regards,
Family Jonsson

Name: Robyn Lewis
Country: Sydney Australia
Message:
I just like to say thank you to for the wonderful photos you are showing us each day. I spent 10 wonderful day at the Impiana cabana resort in septenber 2004 with 10 friends, I would just like to say to the staff to all the staff that the graham gang are thinking of you and hope to be back there at the end of the year. Could someone tell me if Anna the massage lady on the beach Is ok. one of my friends at work has been a friend of hers for some eight years. To all the thai people we are all thinking of you with smilling faces.

Name: Ryan & Samantha
Country: Northern Ireland
Message:
Thank you so much for your daily photographs - it really show people the reality of the situation rather than that being reported, and gives us hope for the thai people future. Keep up the good work.
Having visted Patong beach in the past two years, we were devastated to hear about the tsunami and the destruction it has caused to your lovely island. We stayed at the Cape Panwa Resort the first year and last year at the Armai Coral Beach Resort, we are especially worried about all the staff at the hotel, and all the staff at the Spa Centre. If you get time, we would greatfully appreciated photos of the Armari Coral Beach Resort, on the the rebuild to open in April. We are also thinking of the elderly gentleman who sold crepes and waffle at the roadside everynight on our walk back to our hotel.
Our love and thoughts are with all the thai people right now, as Phuket and its people have a special place in our hearts, it will always be the Island of Smiles. You are all in our thoughts and prayers every day.
We will be back in 2006, as we have already made alternative plans to holiday this year.
Thanks again.

Name: Paul & Lisa
Country: Manchester, UK
Message:
To all the photographers and everyone associated with Phuket we would like to share our upmost appreciateion of the how the Thai people have handle the whole devastating situation. We are due to married at the Dusit Laguna Resort on 14/2/05 and we cannot wait to come to Phuket and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer considering it is the best country and the most wonderful people. see you all soon.

Name: Wilma Viljoen
Country: South Africa
Message:
Wilma Vijoen from South Africa. We stayed at the Seaview Patong Hotel when the wave struck, I would like to thank all the wonderful Thai people they really look after us. I would like to know if any body know if any people on Freedom Beach died we made some friends and can't seem to track them down. We will be returning to Phuket this year. Thank you and God's speed.

Name: David, Peta-Jeanne, Jessica and Jason Neave
Country: South Africa
Message:
My family spent the most memorable holiday on your beautiful island at the Burasari hotel on Patong Beach. We commented then on the hard working culture of the Thai people and have no doubt that you will come out on top of this. Hope the Burasari will be ready for our next visit! Keep up the good work.

Name: Jeff Vella
Country: Australia
Message:
I would like to start by saying that web sites like your's are helping people like me keep up with the progress of the outstanding work that is going on there at patong beach.
My wife, kids & i will be going back to phuket for the sixed time this july were we can contribute by spending money which means people have jobs, alot of people say that i am crazy for wanting to go there, but knowing that, all i hear from phuket is that they need people to come there to have there holidays still and spend there money,So we will, Phuket to us is like it is too all that left messages on your web site our second home and will be for ever.
please can you guys obtian some photos of ned kelly bar and my good friend johns bar the ship wreck.
Keep up the good work
cheers Jeff Mina & kids.

Name: Bengt
Country: Sweden
Message:
We became very sorry when we heard about the catastrophe that happend. We have been visiting Thailand and Patong several times so it was very good to see the photos showing the rapid cleaning and restoring of the town. We are not afraid of coming back, we will return to Patong again in March this year.

Name: Sam & Samantha Newman
Country: Australia Perth
Message:
We have been coming to patong for the last 10years.We have met a lot of good thai friends on the beach and in the bars. We had a thai wedding not so long ago with all our thai friends.Rhis place is the most beautiful place to have a holiday and we will be back this christmas as always and i hope all our thai friends and everyone else is safe and well.

Name: carolyn coward
Country: usa
Message:
This website is great! Thank you for sharing all the progress. We have been going to patong for the last 6 years and this year we decided to go to the philippines instead. I am worried sick about the beach chair boys. I don't have names but we have watched them grow up over the years and are wondering where they are. Also the staff that was working at the flinstone bar at the royal palm resortel. my e-mail is red.head7@verizon.net If you have any idea please let me know Thank you Carolyn Coward USA

Country: Germany
Message:
Thanks a lot for all these photos of before horror and now ungoing progress in Patong.
Maybe you get some photos about the situation of Tropica Bungalow Hotel just left of Patong Seafood on Beach Road?
Again thanks a lot!
Roland Michael

Name: ZOOM
Country: france
Message:
I should have gone to phuket this week-end for two weeks but I asked the pay-back of my ticket.
I'm really sorry to have done this but I prefer to do that rather than going to te beach and doing as nothing happened. I prefer respect thai people and the death and stay at home because I m very sad to see what happened for your country.
I didn't want to enjoy myself whereas some people cry for the dead foreigner and thai people.
AWFUL is just the presently feeling.
I hope come back next year and I wish you some bravoury, strenght and faith.
Concerning your web site and the pictures, I just want to congratulate you because I think that TV change the reality.

Name: Tommy Meijer
Country: Sweden
Subject: Question about Phuket on Phuket.com Website
Message:
Me and my family have been in Phuket 5 times before. Now we go back the 11 of februari.We boked the holliday 6 months ago and we havent had a thought about not going. The friendly generos people of Phuket need us tourist moore than ever now. SO Please dont change your travelplans. And when you eat or drink in bars and resturants, Give lots of tips!

Name: Shelley
Country: Australia
Message:
We had just arrived bakc from Phuket 20 days before the disaster. We will still come to visit Phuket we have been 4 times and love it, it is like our 2nd home.
My love & Prayers with you all, residents, volunteers and everyone who is there at this time.
God Bless

Name: Katie Blondell
Country: England
Message:
Hello,

I have stayed at the Patong Merlin for the last 5 years. it there any way you could get some pictures in your paper for me. We will be returning in November. I have found out from the Merlin that allthe staff are ok, this is a great releive to me as I have many friends there. Many thanks for keeping everyone informed of the work that so far has been carried out
Kind regards Katie

Name: PIERRE VERGER
Country: FRANCE
Message:
Hello. We are of any heart with you for your courage. I know phuket since 1981 and i was there in march 2004. Can you show us photographs of sea view patong hotel? Thank you and we will come to help you this year . Good courage. Best regards. Pierre

Name: stosser
Country: Denmark
Message:
Thank you for your fantastic photo. It is fantastic to see, how fast you can rebuild a lot. I miss photo of the streets of Kata and Karon so we can see how things is there.

Name: Denise
Country: Ireland
Message:
Just want to tell you this website is terrific. I will pray for unfortunate people out in the Far East, thats all we can do aswell as donate as much as we possibly can, keep up the good work

Name: nenad
Country: Samobor,Croatia
Message:
Thinking of you all. Thank you for daily photo and I come to visit your beautiful country.

Name: Chelle & Mark
Country: Perth Australia
Message:
What an amazing recovery you have made in such a short period of time. Our hearts sink to see the pain and devastation that has hit Phuket. We honeymooned at Merlin Beach Resort earlier this year and are so sad to see it affected. Our thoughts to all in Phuket. Keep up the fantastic work that you beautiful people do. We will return.

Name: Tammi & Glenn
Country: Abercynon, Wales
Message:
We visited Phuket in May 2003 and fell in love with Thailand immediately, so much so we brought family over to Koh Samui in May 2004. They also fell in love with Thailand.
We have already booked to return to Phuket in May - for 3 weeks this time and cannot wait !!!
We have booked the same hotel - Patong Beach Hotel of which we are pleased is reopening in February. Our thoughts are with you all.

Name: Carolyn & Greg Jackson
Country: USA/GEORGIA
Message:
We live here in the USA and our deepest prayers & sympathy go to all that have been affected by this huge tragedy.My 8 year old prays for everyone over there every night that God would give everyone comfort & peace thru all of this and provide the things that yall need.Our family is only able to help by the way prayers & with money.Please know that there are people who do care.We will continue to pray for all of you.
Carolyn Jackson

Name: Margaret
Country: Scotland
Message:
I have stayed at the beautiful Pearl Village in Nai Yang. I would just like to pass on my best wishes for the safety and health of all who worked both there and at the Dive Centre. You made my and my friends time there the most wonderful experience. I hope Whot and his family from one of the restaurant bars is well and safe. My best wishes to all in the region and I wish you well for the future. I will be back soon for a visit.

Name: Vera
Country: Belgium
Message:
Finally a fantastic website for those who are concerned about the people of Phuket and Thailand. I really hope that the wonderfull Thai people and especially the very nice people I met in Phuket will be able to recover as soon as possible from the terrible tragedy of the Tsunami tidal wave. I really want to thank the people who are cleaning up and are doing the very devistating work,and also the people who are taking the pictures day by day so that we can be indformed about the present status. Also special regards to the very kind and friendly staff of the hotel Baan Yin Dee where we stayed this summer. I hope everyone there is ok. Special thanks to the very kind Handy, and If anyone knows anything about him and how he is doing, please contact me at veeke.heijninck@tiscali.be
Many regards and hope to see you this year in summer
Vera

Name: Henk Roersma
Country: Holland
Message:
We are sad and shocked. We have been visiting Patong regularly and
have stayed in the Patong Merlin Hotel. We are anxious to know how all the hotel staff and the people on the beac are. The plan is to come back to Patong in April. Do you have any pictures of the Patong
Merlin? Best Rgds and good luck.

Name: Tina
Country: germany
Message:
Thank you for the message with the photos about the situation in phuket. I come again in march.
I would like to now what was happen
at Kata Noi Beach with the thai-massage women and the small thairestaurant. Was something happen
with them or are they all ok?

Name: Sylviane
Country: Switzerland
Message:
All my heard goes close all the peolple from Asia! I went in Phuket only some days before the diseaster and can't forget how is place and persons are beautiful. I cant leave my though out of you!!!!! Good luck!

Name: ian and sandra
Country: england
Message:
thanks for giving us a way to find out how patong and the rest of phuket is coming on.we fell in love with phuket and its people 3 years ago and were shocked and saddened by what happened.unfortunitly we can not get back untill 20/10/.we will be helping the thai people as muchas we can through donations.etc we are trying to find out about our friends on the beach who work opposite the holiday inn his name is Chom and he looks after the sunbeds can anyone please help?thanks

Name: Matthew Jason
Country: Singapore
Message:
Greetings,

Phuket is almost my yearly holiday place. Last time I was here was June 2004, I will be there on 26 to 30 January. See you guys soon.

Name: JUAN AND SILVIA
Country: SPAIN
Message:
Hi from Spain.
We are ver sad what happened in your country. We do all the possible for help us from our village, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Catalonia. We send some money and various aliments and send our love and best wishes to thai, too. We want to whis you all and your families the best and GOD BLESS!

Name: H. Hansen
Country: Denmark/Copenhagen
Message:
First of all I wont to send my deepest condolences to the most wonderful people in the world. We are coming back 1'st february 2005. How is Kate Beach doing?? Send more photos from Kate Beach.

Name: henry
Country: Milano ITALY
Message:
Tutti i giorni guardo le vostre foto nella speranza di vedere delle persone conosciute che non riesco a contattare.
State facendo un ottimo lavoro, continuate cosi'.
Un pensiero e una preghiera per chi non c'è piu'.

Name: Sandra Jones
Country: South Wales, UK
Message:
Hi Phuket

Myself, husband and family have visited Phuket many times and have made some wonderful Thai friends at Cape Panwa and at Nai Yang Beach to the rear of The Pearl Village Hotel. Could you show some photograph. We are thinking of everyone there and cannot wait to see you all again this year. Keep smiling. Sandra and Keith Jones

Name: Odette
Country: south africa
Message:
Hello, i just want to say that i pray for you every day and i followed the updates on your website.. (And on the news) I think its horrible what happend and i feel for you so much..!! To all the people who lost loved ones may you find strenght in GOD. I would to visite your beautifull country someday.May GOD BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE OF PHUKET

Name: gioanni
Country: france
Message:
bonjour
nous sommes allés à phuket l'annee derniere et nous devons y retourner dans 3 semaines avec nos enfants et des amis cela ne va pas nous decourager nous sommes très heureux d'aller retrouver nos amis et d'apporter un peu de reconfort à ces gens si adorables alors à bientot et retourner tous en thailande !!!!!

Name: GORY
Country:
Message:
Thanks a lot 4 ur photos they are great, u r keeping us updated, if please u can show us a photo of the hoilday inn, we would like to know what is happeing with it, and to know when it will be open we always stayed and these place and we should be comeing again soon.

Name: Suh
Country: Singapore
Message:
Hi, you are fantastic photographers. Only after going through most of the photos on phuket and the resorts, also the impact of Tsunami, I realised what excellent photographs you take, compared to many other Phuket sites I've been to. This is a superb website too, easy to navigate and quite informative. Please keep up the good work. I have been checking in everyday since I've stumbled to it a few days ago. Thanks!

Name: Mel
Country: Melbourne, Australia
Message:
Thank you for your updates. It is a relief to see your beautiful island recovering from the devastation. My husband and I visited your island last october and just absolutely loved the place and the people. We will definitely be back. Thank you for your efforts in keeping us informed on Phuket. The poor reporting from the media has certainly created false impressions of Phuket. Thank you for correcting it.

Name: David and Rose
Country: Perth, Australia
Message:
Thank you for the daily photo's from Phuket. The wonderful Thai people are like family and Phuket a second home to us. We have been going there for 2-3 times every year and have recommended it to many friends who have fallen under it's spell. We are returning in April as usual and first port of call is to check on the fate of our Thai friend's. Would greatly appreciate photo's from Beach Road of Patong Merlin, Holiday Inn, photo's of the Wellness Centre Massage Palor and stalls next to Horizon Beach Resort. Looking forward to your daily photo's, you are doing a wonderful job re-assuring those of us that love Phuket and cannot get on the next plane.

Name: Kris & Becca
Country: USA
Message:
Thanks to the photos you have posted, we will be at the Marriott in a few weeks, 2/13-21. We look forward to spreading the word back here in the US that Phuket is paradise, despite what the media wants to show us.

Name: Lisa
Country: Australia
Message:
Thank you for your footage of how Patong Beach is faring. My husband and I have travelled to Patong Beach every year since 1992 and have many friends there. We stay in Patong Merlin Hotel and would like some photos of how it fared. It would also be good to have pictures of the staff there so we are able to breathe easier that they are alright. We also hope the man who draws the people at the beach foyer is ok. Also we are concerned for all the staff at Sabai Sabai as we eat every meal there. A photo of the staff would be great.
Thank you again for the effort you have made to try to ease our concerns, but also bring to us the stark reality.
Regards,
Lisa

Name: Steve dixon
Country: New Zealand
Message:
I dont know what to say about the terrible tragedy. It has sickened me.Rest assured I will visit Patong twice a year for a month at a time for ever and a day. I am sorry for the lost people, but are glad for those that have survived. I have lost some lovely Thai friends like a lot of people. I can be thankful my lovely girlfriend who works in Nanai Road is safe and well. I was glad to hear "Saw" his wife and new born baby are well too. They do the best bbq goong next the the soccer field there. I fear for the nice guys who hire me jet-skis and motor cycles. I hope they are OK. Best wishes and thanks to the staff who run this website. Its good to see photo progress but I respect and cant forget the human loss involved. Me my brother and good friend will always be back no matter what. Patong is more than a holiday, it becomes a big part of your life . HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

Name: Joe Fitzsimmons
Country: USA
Message:
Could you show some pictures of Karon from the circle by the beach aalso the road leading to Karon Princess. Also pictures of Anns Massage Parlor/Tourist Info/Motorike rental.I want to make sure the people I met are alright. I think this is in Kata.
I want to say your pictures, bring me so much joy, I feel like I'm therwith you. I will be in Thailand next month, I have not found hotel in Karon yet. The Karon Princess is full, I love thailand if I could find work I would move there for sure.

God bless and keep the good work

Name: frans ceelen
Country: nederland
Message:
We are very sad what happened in your country we had our vacantion in novemeber 04 and stayed in Patong Merlin .We dearly want to know how it is whit the people who working in front of Patong Merlin on the beach.We know some ladys from the massage.The names are Be and Puang and there was a beachboy Jacky we know everything is good with him and his daughter and wife .But we don,t know from the massages and their children maby you can make some pictures ? Yhank you for your great site so we can see how evrything day by day is going better hope to see you in november again.The e-mal the massageladys gave me doesn,t work this is the e-mail nithaya05@hotmail.com.May be you know something about them thank you very much

Name: Jacques
Country: South Africa
Message:
Good day, thank you very much for keeping us updated regarding the sitsuation in Phuket - i visited your beautifull island last year and plan to do so again in February - i do not see pictures of people on Phuket beaches?If you have to be honest - is it safe to visit in February or would u suggest to come later in the year? If you can ask the person to update a writing on the island status it would be very much appreciated. Thank you very much, i want to wish you all and your families the best and God Bless

Name: Shelley
Country: Australia
Message:
We had just arrived bakc from Phuket 20 days before the disaster. We will still come to visit Phuket we have been 4 times and love it, it is like our 2nd home.
My love & Prayers with you all, residents, volunteers and everyone who is there at this time.
God Bless

Name: Rose-Marie Nilsson
Country: Sweden
Message:
First of all I wont to send my deepest condolences to the most wonderful peaple in the world.Me and my husband have been in Thailand 7 times,and we come back.Thank you very much for keeping us up to date on all rebuilding.We look every day.You are fantastic peaple.See you soon.

Name: Kelly Gardner
Country: Australia
Message:
Thanks very much for your efforts to keep others informed of the progress being made in Thailand & Phuket. I was a visitor to these areas about 2 weeks prior to the wave. I chech your website everyday for reassurance that this paradise is getting back on its feet. Your pictures give me hope that not all is lost and that the human spirit will rise up and overcome this tragedy. My blessing goes out to all people affected.
Kelly

Name: Lisa Alonso
Country: USA
Message:
Thank you so much for keeping us up to date on all the rebuilding. My family and I have never visited Phuket, but we would like to in the very near future. I believe the best way to help the Thai people is for people to keep visiting your beautiful country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you soon!!

Name: debbie wimsatt
Country: u.s.a.
Message:
I have never been to thailand, but now after seeing the most beautiful pics of a beautiful place i will go someday. The one positive out of something so horrible is to see how a world has come together for one cause in spite of our diiferences. I continue to pray and hope you pass on to your people that others really are hurting, wishing we all could be there to help. May god always bless you.

Name: Laurie Norton
Country: USA
Message:
I am a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. I want to bring a few friends to the Phuket area to help out in ANY way the first 10 days of March. We will, or course, pay our own way, but want to know what we can bring or do and where we are most needed.
I have been on vacation to Thailand 7 times and dearly love the country and people. Even if all we can do is come to the orphanages and hold children we will be there. But we are also ready to do heavy cleanup or whatever you wish!
My husband wrote the famous song Wind Beneath My Wings. He and other wongwriters here in Nashville TN have expressed willingness to perform if you'd like.
Please let me know what is needed!
thanks! Laurie Norton

Name: Chris
Country: Australia
Message:
I can't wait to come back to phuket. THis website is a great reassurance to many. I hope all the guys on Patong beach that ran the jet ski rentals are ok. Maybe you could show pic os the staff down there. See you soon Chris.

Name: Lim Yu Yong
Country: Singapore
Message:
I was at Patong on 26/12/2004 and personally witnessed the aftermath
of the disaster. I walked through the flooded street and went to the beach front to watch the waves. I had gone down to the beach 45 minutes after the Tsunami struck. On hindsight, it was a very dangerous thing to do. I feel so sorry for the people of Phuket and the tourists and the people who had died there. I find your updates and photos very useful. I will come back to Phuket on 11/3/2005 and again in June, July, August or Sep, Nov & Dec 2005. I fell in love with Phuket when I first came here in November 2004. I will definitely come back to support the people of Phuket and may the legend and beauty of Phuket stay on forever.

Name: E
Country: U.S.A.
Message:
Spent about 11 days in Phuket a couple of years ago, stayed at the Ex-Pat a few blocks from the beach, Met new friends at the U-2 bar,(Is it still there?) one who gave me a tour including the amazing view at Lam Phrom Tep, (imagine finding a local in America caring enough to show a stranger around)having a cold one, taking in that view of the windswept hills, down to the azure blue waters, I realized I could spend the rest of my days right there, and be perfectly content. I cannot describe what it was to see the destruction of this true paradise, but it is even more something to see the Thai people reclaiming what was lost. My friends, I for one will be back. You do your country a true service. Thank-you!

Name: Matthew Heale
Country: Perth Australia
Message:
I have recently visited Thailand and i instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and culture of the island. The people in Thailand have such beautiful natures and make Thailand the fantastic place it is.
My Love and Sympathy go out to all affected by this disaster and i look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Name: Brendan, Lyn, Leeza & Alex
Country: Australia
Message:
Having visited the wonderful Phuket 3 times we are saddened by the disaster that has happened there. Our hearts go out to the amazing Thai people who are the nicest, caring people in the world. We would especially like to send our love and best wishes to the fabulous staff at the Banthai who took great care of us and our 2 teenagers in July 2003. We have ever lasting memories and photo's of you all. We will be back to see you all in a year or so.

Name: Suh
Country: Singapore
Message:
We surely are coming back to Phuket again and we are looking forward to the beautiful Impiana Cabana's comeback! Indeed, Thai people are amazing in their strength and spirit, just look at the fantastic jobs they have done! Thank you very much for the photos. They are a REALity update on our favourite holiday destination. My family and I have been there every year for the last five years. We have always stayed at the Impiana Cabana with our two toddlers and they especially adore Ana, a roomkeeper at the resort. We care for her and her young baby boy and have been thinking of them especially, among many others we have befriended through our previous visits. We hope that Ana and her baby boy are well. If anyone knows of their whereabouts, alive or not, please email me at suhmccaw@gmail.com. Thanks.

Name: Kelly Gardner
Country: Australia
Message:
Thanks very much for your efforts to keep others informed of the progress being made in Thailand & Phuket. I was a visitor to these areas about 2 weeks prior to the wave. I chech your website everyday for reassurance that this paradise is getting back on its feet. Your pictures give me hope that not all is lost and that the human spirit will rise up and overcome this tragedy. My blessing goes out to all people affected.
Kelly

Name: Chantal
Country: Australia/ WA
Message:
Hey There. I stayed at The Patong Merlin in Ocotber 2004, Im really worried about the staff who worked at the hotel. They were so kind and thoughtful. My herat goes out to them. I Also would like to know how baddly the shops at the beach front in patong are and if they would be rebuilt by next year. I hope everything goes well in Phuket and I am definetly going there again in October this year. I cant wait.
Love Chantal

Name: Mimi
Country: USA
Message:
We are planning to go to Phuket in mid-February 2005 and we have found your website to be very helpful in deciding to keep our reservations in Phuket. In fact, since Koh Phi Phi seems to be out of commission for the most part, we plan to stay in Phuket longer. I do have a question, however. I'm wondering if the neighboring islands where you can take day trips are still there. For instance, islands like Naka Yai, Naka Noi, Racha Islands, Coral Islands, James Bond Island and so forth. Also, I'm interested in other activities on Phuket island, like jungle treks,etc. Would you recommend some other activities?
Again, thank you for your help and we look forward to going to Phuket in February.
Mimi

Name: Tom & Sue Friedman
Country: USA
Message:
We have been vacationing in Patong Beach annually for over 16 years and was devistated by the news of the wave. The news media here in the USA are clearing after readership as their reporting clearly mistates the FACTS. Your pictures and web site have been FANTASTIC and have given us and a great many of our friends a clear and accurate view of the true picture. THANK YOU. Due to the pictures our February trip has NOT been canceled.
Tom & Sue Friedman

Name: KEITH
Country: UK
Message:
We were going to go to Karon this Christmas but could not get time off work but we go to Karon in 2 weeks time.Not even thought of cancelling as we know how much the Thai people need us there whether it be as tourists or to help out.We were very lucky we were not there to witness this disaster and we certainly will not be cancelling our holidays in 2 weeks time.They need us there.